Alcohol ban is about to fall in Saudi Arabia, but you still won't be able to drink on airplanes

L'Saudi Arabia, once a country ultra-conservative, is planning today to Legalize - starting in 2026 - the use of alcohol in 600 tourist places in view of Expo 2030 and of the World Cup 2034.

This is the news that has appeared in recent days on several international sites-including IndiaToday, and then also picked up by the American travel and air miles site, One Mile at a Time-and has caused quite a stir.

But rather than actual news, at the moment it seems to be. rumors. In fact, according to reports, the Saudi government at first appears to have gone out on a limb promoting this openness toward alcoholic beverages and then took a small step back. In any case, this would not be a "free-for-all" but there would continue to be several restrictions:

• Permitted alcohol would be limited to beer, wine and cider, so no to hard liquor
• Alcohol sales would be limited to about 600 locations across the country, including Selected luxury hotels, resorts and areas developed for tourists, such as Sindalah Island and the Red Sea Project.
• Only the Authorized premises and qualified personnel Would be able to serve alcohol, and the sale of alcohol would follow strict procedures
• Alcohol Would not be allowed in homes, public places and stores, and personal alcohol production would continue to be prohibited

Should the news be officially confirmed, this would be a huge step forward for Saudi Arabia with a conservative, Muslim government. The country over the years has promoted major liberal breakthroughs under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman such as allowing women to drive, reopening cinemas, and hosting music concerts, but allowing alcohol-beer, wine, and cider-has yet to happen.

And according to reports it is not a matter of if but when, so it is only a matter of time and then tourists in Saudi Arabia will also be able to drink alcohol. From 2026 onward could become a reality.

And as of today, it seems very likely to happen as part of a broad plan to open up to tourism and, as mentioned, in the run-up to two world events of great media impact.

However, for all the frequent flyer who are wondering if and how the rules will change on board major Saudi companies, Saudia Airlines e Riyadh Air (When it starts to fly), or at airports and lounge Saudis, the answer is that there is a wait-and-see attitude. The companies have not yet received official arrangements, so for now everything remains as is.